Construction Begins on Ireland’s International Cricket Stadium
The inaugural groundbreaking for Ireland’s international cricket stadium is set for March at the National Sports Campus. This development comes as Cricket Ireland prepares to co-host the ICC T20 World Cup in 2030 alongside England and Scotland.
Need for a Permanent Venue
Historically, Cricket Ireland has never had a dedicated venue, often utilizing various grounds like Malahide and Clontarf. The governing body has had to construct temporary facilities, incurring costs that can reach into six figures.
Stadium Specifications and Timeline
Planning permission has been granted for a 4,000-seat stadium in Abbotstown, although no matches are anticipated at this venue until at least 2029. The ICC requires stadiums to have a minimum capacity of 20,000, but the new facility will be expandable to accommodate this requirement by the 2030 World Cup.
Construction Phases and Planning
After the initial groundbreaking, the pitch must be ready by September to support a year of grass establishment. The first phase of construction, which includes the main seating bowl and essential services, is expected to conclude by March 2028. A subsequent phase will enhance the existing high-performance center and construct a permanent pavilion.
Current Progress and Future Plans
Richard Fahey, Cricket Ireland’s head of facilities and operations, mentioned that the project has reached an advanced stage. Following the securing of planning permission, ten contractors are currently preparing their bids, with submissions due in January. The first phase will prioritize preparations for the pitch and seating.
Challenges and Requirements
Establishing the cricket square will take considerable time, with Fahey indicating it requires up to three years to mature properly. The aim is to finalize the square by September 2026, enabling play in the summer of 2029, a prerequisite from the ICC ahead of the World Cup.
Irish Teams and Upcoming Competitions
The Irish men’s and women’s teams are preparing for a busy schedule in 2026, with the women’s team heading to Nepal for T20 World Cup qualifiers, while the men’s team is set for group matches in Sri Lanka in February. Veteran player George Dockrell expressed optimism about competing in Sri Lanka and excitement about the new stadium, which promises a high-quality training environment.
